Calcium Blood Test

Overview

The total calcium blood test is used to measure the total amount of calcium in your blood. Calcium is one of the most important minerals in your body. Most of your body’s calcium is stored in your bones.

Your body requires calcium to maintain healthy bones and teeth. It’s also essential for keeping your nerves, heart, and muscles functioning properly. Since calcium is so important for many of your body’s functions, its levels need to be within a tight range.

A second calcium blood test, called the ionized calcium blood test, measures the amount of “free” calcium present in your blood. “Free calcium” refers to calcium that’s not bound to any proteins and not together with an anion in your blood.

In addition to these two calcium blood tests, the level of calcium in your urine can be measured as well.

Test procedure

To perform the test, your doctor will draw a blood sample from your arm.

A needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm, and a small amount of blood will be collected into a tube. The blood draw should take less than five minutes. You may feel a slight pinch when the needle enters your arm.

Your doctor may treat hypocalcemia through the use of calcium supplements and sometimes vitamin D supplements. If there’s an underlying disease or condition that’s causing your hypocalcemia, they’ll work to identify and treat that as well.

The takeaway

The total calcium blood test measures the total amount of calcium in your blood.

Your doctor will order this test as part of a routine metabolic panel or if you’re experiencing certain symptoms. Be sure to see your doctor if you’re having symptoms of low or high calcium.

In many cases, high or low results have causes that are easily treated. In other cases, you may need a more complex treatment plan to address the underlying condition. Talk to your doctor about your options. They’ll work to identify and treat the disease or condition that’s affecting your calcium levels.